Ideal for families traveling with children! This itinerary visits the highlights of North Vietnam. The tour not only visits our most famous landscapes but also provides a program including child friendly activities and convenient scheduling arrangements for families.
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our guide and driver at the pickup lobby. You’ll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic.
Rest of the day you are free and leisure to visit the city
8:30 AM: pick up from your hotel to Bat Trang, situated on the banks of the Red River, just 20km away from the heart of Hanoi. This village is renowned as one of Vietnam's most famous traditional craft hubs, specializing in the art of porcelain craftsmanship.
Upon arrival, we'll begin exploring the village with a visit to the local communal house, a place dedicated to the founder of this porcelain craft village. Continue walking through narrow alleys to visit an ancient house that dates back to the same period as the Long Bien Bridge. Here, the host will explain the unique aspects of Vietnamese culture and its spiritual beliefs.
Next, we'll tour a family-owned factory. Your guide will lead you through the fascinating processes involved in crafting ceramic products, and if you're interested, you might even have a hands-on experience working alongside the skilled artisans. While strolling through the village, don't forget to explore the charming products on display in the local shops before hopping in our car for the journey back to Hanoi.
Travel back to city center, have a break for lunch (by your own account) before visit the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.
Continue by driving through French quarter, passing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace to the Hanoi Old Quarter which was built in the 15th century as a trading center in the capital city with 36 streets of different products. Despite the changes, the Old Quarter is always considered a live city museum. The unique tube houses, small alleys, temples, open door markets and street vendor foods come together in a beautiful harmony. Discovering the town by walking is the best way to stimulate all your senses.
Finally, enjoying the water puppet shows that is the unique performances, first appeared in the 11th century. In these shows, the daily life, culture and belief of Vietnamese people are described by puppets on water. The show usually integrates a traditional music performance as well.
Come back to your hotel. End of the day service
8:00 AM: Meet your tour guide and driver at hotel then transfer to Ninh Binh, the awesome site is enriched with historical, cultural, religion and geographic wonders. On the journey passing the Red River delta, stop as you wish for pictures.
Travel to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam from the 10 to the 11 century. The citadel is surrounded by limestone mountains and rivers naturally protecting it and making for an amazing picturesque setting.
On arrival at Hoa Lu, you will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009) who played a vital role in gaining the country’s independence after it was ruled by China for a thousand years. Both temples were built in the 17th symbolizing a deep respect to the King’s contributions.
Keep your tour to the Bich Dong, a typical pagoda in the countryside of the Red River Delta, built in the 15th century. On arrival, you will cross a stone bridge to Chua Ha, from which over 100 steps lead to Chua Trung – the cave pagoda with unique clay statues. You will then hike up to Chua Thuong. You not only have the chance to learn about Buddhism but also get to experience incredible countryside views.
Enjoy lunch at local restaurant before transfering to Tam Coc which has been well-known as the “Halong Bay on land” and appeared in famous French movie “Indochina”. On arrival at the pier, you will take a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.
Drive back to Hanoi around 6:00 PM
8:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter). Enjoy three hour drive from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay. Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta. Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue your driving, arrive at the harbor around noon, get warmly welcomed at cruise reception.
11:30 - 11:45 AM: Arrive at our waiting lounge at Ha Long International Cruise Port. Take some time to relax while waiting for our captain to complete the registration process. Then, transfer by tender to our boat.
12:00 - 12:15 PM: Enjoy a welcome drink and receive a brief safety briefing about activities onboard before checking into our cabins.
13:00: Indulge in a delicious Vietnamese set menu lunch while leisurely cruising further into Bai Tu Long Bay.
15:00: Arrive at the kayaking area – Cap La Island. Enjoy kayaking through the karst formations and breathtaking scenery, as well as swimming and relaxing.
17:40: Return to the boat and enjoy our Sunset Party as our cruise sails to the overnight anchorage. Attend a Vietnamese cooking demonstration where you can learn to make a simple but delicious Vietnamese dish like Nem Cuon, or try your hand at fruit and vegetable carving.
19:00: Delight in a sumptuous set dinner onboard.
20:30 - 22:00: Enjoy free time to challenge yourself with Vietnamese puzzle games, gather your group/family for a board game, try your luck with squid fishing, or simply relax with a cocktail and soak in the quiet night on the bay.
06:30 AM: Participate in a sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck or enjoy the morning view of the stunning bay's landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.
07:00: Breakfast will be served in a Western style to prepare you for another day of exploration.
07:45 AM: Explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.
09:00 AM: Return to the boat and enjoy about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing.
09:30 AM: Check out.
10:00 AM: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on the boat.
10:30 AM: Return to the harbor.
11:15 - 11:30 AM: Disembark at Ha Long Cruise Port.
Welcome by driver at the harbor then enjoy travel back to Hanoi. Have a rest at the middle of the way. Drop off at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter).
Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes, whether you're heading to the international or domestic terminal, depending on your needs.